igneous
Granite
Phaneritic Plutonic Felsic Rock
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Salt-and-pepper look with pink/white/grey crystals. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic. Composition: Primarily quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase with minor mica/amphibole.
- Hardness
- 6-7 on Mohs scale
- Color
- Salt-and-pepper look with pink/white/grey crystals
- Luster
- Vitreous to dull
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Physical properties
Hardness: 6-7 on Mohs scale. Color: Salt-and-pepper look with pink/white/grey crystals. Luster: Vitreous to dull. Structure: Coarse-grained phaneritic. Composition: Primarily quartz, alkali feldspar, and plagioclase with minor mica/amphibole.
Formation & geological history
Formed from the slow crystallization of silica-rich magma beneath the Earth's surface (intrusive). They can be hundreds of millions to billions of years old, often found in the cores of mountain ranges.
Uses & applications
Extensively used in construction for countertops, floor tiles, paving stones, curbing, monuments, and as crushed stone for road aggregate.
Geological facts
Granite makes up much of the Earth's continental crust. Mount Rushmore is carved into a granite batholith. It is one of the hardest natural stones commonly available.
Field identification & locations
Identify by its interlocking visible crystals. Look for flecks of clear/white quartz and pink or white rectangular feldspar crystals. It is found in continental shields and mountain belts globally.
